Supported Pathways with Pause with Paws.
Where wellbeing, dogs, and people grow together.
At Pause with Paws, we believe in creating calm, inclusive and meaningful spaces where both people and dogs feel safe, supported and valued.
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What is Supported Pathways?
Supported Pathways is our developing employability and wellbeing programme, offering gentle, trauma-informed opportunities for people who have experienced long-term unemployment due to mental ill health, neurodivergence, chronic illness, or recovery from substance use.
The Programme Blends:
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Hands-on experience with our dog-assisted wellbeing sessions
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Emotional and practical mentoring
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Confidence and skill-building
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Real-world work experience in a supportive environment
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Who is this for?
Supported Pathways is designed for people who:
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Have been out of work due to mental health challenges
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Are neurodivergent and struggle with traditional employment settings
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Are living with chronic illness or disability
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Are in recovery and looking to rebuild confidence
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Want a gentle return to purpose, routine and work
No prior experience with dogs or formal qualifications are required - just a willingness to learn and a kind, respectful attitude.
What Does It Involve?
Participants will be supported with opportunities to:
1. Dog-Assisted Wellbeing Support
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Assisting at care home visits and community sessions
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Supporting set-up and facilitation
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Learning about calm dog handling and animal welfare
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Understanding emotional regulation and sensory support
2. Employability & Personal Development
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Building confidence, self-worth and resilience
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Exploring goals and future pathways
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Developing communication and interpersonal skills
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Understanding boundaries, professionalism and self-care
3. Real-World Skills
Depending on interests, participants may gain experience in:
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Admin and organisation
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Social media and content
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Marketing and outreach
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Customer service
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Event support
Our Values
Everything we do is grounded in:
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Psychological safety – no pressure, no shame, no judgement
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Trauma-informed practice – we move at your pace
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Inclusion and accessibility – bodies and minds are not problems to fix
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Compassion over productivity – you are not defined by output
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Human connection – healing happens in safe relationships
Why dogs?
Dogs offer something unique:
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They regulate the nervous system
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They reduce anxiety and stress
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They provide non-judgemental connection
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They create a sense of purpose and presence
For many people, working alongside animals feels safer and more grounding than traditional workplace environments.
The programme is shaped by both professional experience and lived experience of mental ill health, chronic illness and burnout - meaning it is designed with real people, not systems, in mind.
Our Vision
Our long-term vision is to develop Pause with Paws into a recognised community wellbeing service that:
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Supports care homes and community spaces
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Creates supported volunteering and training pathways
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Partners with councils, NHS services and charities
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Offers meaningful alternatives to traditional employability programmes
Interested in getting involved?
We are currently in the early stages of developing Supported Pathways and are welcoming expressions of interest from:
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Individuals looking for gentle work experience
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Care homes and community partners
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Mental health services and charities
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Funders and grant organisations
If you would like to learn more or register your interest, please contact:
Charlotte – Pause with Paws
Email: pausewithpawswellbeing@gmail.com
or fill in the form below.
Together, we’re creating spaces where people don’t just return to work - they return to themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Supported Pathways a paid programme?
Currently Supported Pathways is offered as a supported volunteering and work experience programme. In the future, funded places may be available through partnerships with local organisations.
Do I need experience with dogs?
No previous experience is required. All support and guidance is provided in a gentle, trauma-informed way.
Where is Pause with Paws based?
We are based in Nottingham and work with care homes, community services and wellbeing organisations across Nottinghamshire.
How do I apply?
You can register your interest via our online form or contact us directly.